Autoblog

VW's Browning says TN workers to decide whether they want union

Zach Bowman — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, UAW/Unions

Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen North America CEO, has said that workers at the company's Chattanooga, Tennessee manufacturing facility will decide if they want union representation. Browning made the comment while speaking to reporters at the New York Auto Show, according to Reuters. Browning also made it clear that the United Auto Workers isn't the only option open to employees at the plant.

"If employees vote in favor of formal representation, then it's important to understand that there are a number of alternatives that may or may not include the UAW," Browning said.

Technically, the company hasn't scheduled a vote on unionization at the Chattanooga factory, but Browning says the company is in the early stages of discussions on the matter. The automaker's board has not discussed the topic in an official capacity.

If the workforce does decide to join the UAW, it would be the first foreign-owned plant to do so. The union has been courting plants owned by foreign automakers for years, but has never managed to sway workers.

VW's Browning says TN workers to decide whether they want union originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive News names its industry All-Stars

George Kennedy — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Europe, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Fiat

Automotive News has announced its annual list of Industry All-Stars. This year, the theme is apparently "success in the face of economic uncertainty," or something of that liking. The list points to executives who have led their respective brands and automakers to positive sales in spite of the European financial crisis and slowing sales in China. See the list below, and you'll understand why:

Industry Leader of the Year and CEO, Europe - Martin Winterkorn, CEO, Volkswagen Group (above): The VW boss started with the German automaker in 2007, overseeing a staggering 12 brands. Under his leadership, sales of Volkswagens have gained in both China and America. VW has also expanded production to America and grown its operations in Brazil. Winterkorn is a very hands-on executive, traveling to America six times to test and tweak the American-built current-generation Passat. Volkswagen is aiming to be the largest and most profitable automaker in the wold by 2018, and Winterkorn will stay on through that time, making him accountable for those goals.
CEO, North America - Sergio Marchionne, CEO, Chrysler Group: How does 31 straight months of positive year-over-year sales sound? The Fiat and Chrysler chief has bestowed dealers with a wealth of new product, and the American automaker is expected to post $1.5 billion in profits this year, in spite of economic turmoil in Europe.
CEO, Asia - Takanobu Ito, President, Honda Motor Co.: In addition to leading the Japanese automaker through the aftermath and destruction of a tsunami, Takanobu Ito has overseen the revival of the NSX sportscar and the emergency facelift of the Honda Civic. He has also stated the company is looking to grow to six million in global sales in the next four years. Big plans, but he has also delivered up to this point.
US Exec, Asian Automaker - Jim Lentz, CEO Toyota Motor Sales USA: Lentz has endured as Toyota's US boss through the 2010 unintended acceleration issue, and the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Through all of this, the Toyota Camry is still America's best-selling car, and profits are on the rise. Success in the face of crisis, indeed.
US Exec, European Automaker - Jonathan Browning, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America: The 53-year-old Englishman came over to head up Volkswagen of America two years ago. Since then, VW sales have increased here at a rapid pace, and the brand has opened the Chattanooga plant to build the Passat. The plant is expected to expand to produce a mid-sized crossover (Tiguan perhaps?) for the US market.

To see the rest of the AN All-Stars, as well as previous year's winners, click through to the link below.

Automotive News names its industry All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW considering new midsize utility for NA; Polo and Up! still on table

Zach Bowman — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Europe, Crossover, Volkswagen

We've already heard word that Volkswagen may be considering a new Alltrack version of its Jetta for the North American Market, but TheDetroitBureau.com reports the automaker is also looking at other high-riding options. Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen Group of America CEO, says a new mid-sized SUV may show up in the lineup alongside the next-generation Tiguan (which itself is likely to get a trio of variants). The unnamed model would fit below the Touareg in size and price and would likely be co-developed engineers in the U.S. and those in another part of the world. So, when can we expect to see the model? Development is currently in its earliest stages, which means we'll have to wait until 2015 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Browning makes it clear Volkswagen is also keen to flesh out its lineup with other new models, including a new mid-sized sedan. A sub-Golf offering may also show up from Europe, which means the automaker may bring over either the Polo or the new Up! micro car. The blossoming stable is part of an effort to keep the company's recent sales growth on track. Volkswagen has made it clear the company wants to triple its companywide sales by 2018.

VW considering new midsize utility for NA; Polo and Up! still on table originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW of America targets 12.5% sales growth in 2012; U.S.-built Audis "a matter of when, not if"

Matt Davis — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

Today in New York City prior to the start of press days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen of America Inc. President and CEO Jonathan Browning laid out ambitious plans the VW Group and Volkswagen brands have for the United States.

After a stellar sales year in 2011 that saw VW brand sales in the U.S. go up over 26 percent and TDI (diesel) sales jump 33 percent, the automaker's 2012 sales year promises more climbing up the sales and market share ladders.

Citing a wild up-and-down past in the U.S., Browning pointed at the numbers for the dark year of 1993 and reminded one and all that VW sold less than 50,000 units. Nowadays, with over 320,000 brand sales the bad times seem far behind as VW Group in Wolfsburg, Germany has invested well over $1 billion in its revived presence on U.S. shores. The current improved 2.5% it possesses of the U.S. total market is a percentage last seen way back in 1981.

Continue reading VW of America targets 12.5% sales growth in 2012; U.S.-built Audis "a matter of when, not if"

VW of America targets 12.5% sales growth in 2012; U.S.-built Audis "a matter of when, not if" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ambitious sales goals may push VW to consider more dealers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Volkswagen

There are currently 588 Volkswagen dealers in the U.S., and in 2010 they sold 256,830 examples of the brand's products. Come 2018, however, VW plans on selling 800,000 vehicles here, and the current dealer body just won't be enough. In April of this year Jonathan Browning, head of VW of America, said there would be an "evolutionary" increase in dealers for the next couple of years, after which a "radical change" would be necessary.

Browning indicated that 2014/2015 would see the ramping up of dealerships. He predicted the brand to sell in excess of 300,000 cars this year and improve on that by a "double-digit" amount next year.

How many VW dealers might 800,000 units mean? In 1970, when VW set its sales record with nearly 600,000 units moved here, Wikipedia claims it had more than a thousand dealerships in the U.S. Dealer dynamics have surely changed in 41 years, but Nissan might be a guide: the Japanese maker sold a tad more than 800,000 cars here in 2010 and is said to have about 1,100 dealers in the U.S.

Ambitious sales goals may push VW to consider more dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First batch of Oprah VW Beetle giveaway cars on the way

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Celebrities

We've never won a free car, but we bet it would be one helluva good feeling. But waiting a year for that very new ride? That has to be plenty painful. A year has passed since Oprah gave away 275 2012 Volkswagen Beetle models during her final "Favorite Things" episode, but those audience members didn't drive off the lot with their new ride. Since the Beetle was still a year away from production, audience members didn't even get to see what their new car looked like.

But while the wait was likely difficult, those lucky audience member are finally getting their high-five-inducing Bug. The Car Connection reports that the first 25 deliveries are taking place at a VW dealership in Orland Park, IL, and Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning will be present to hand over the keys. The remaining winners will reportedly receive their Beetle within the next few weeks.

As an added kicker to those 275 soon-to-be new Bug owners, the cash to take care of taxes and fees are also going to be provided. We're guessing the wait will be well worth the reward.

First batch of Oprah VW Beetle giveaway cars on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is working hard to make sure it accomplishes its North American assimilation plan. In order to fully realize its ambitious 800,000-unit volume target, the automaker will be required to introduce an even greater variety of vehicles into its existing lineup. Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen North America, says that he and his team understand this, and a few new VW family members could wind up in U.S. dealer showrooms.

According to Car and Driver, Volkswagen believes that an additional crossover is needed to help round-out the lineup. This vehicle would need three-rows of passenger seating, and its crosshairs would target the likes of Ford's Explorer and the Honda Pilot. For whatever it's worth, the scuttlebutt we've heard is that VW is considering a stretched Tiguan to fill this duty, as a three-row Touareg would be too costly for the family-oriented segment.

Volkswagen could also be looking to go small. Though its current European-market Polo seems like an easy solution, VW believes that's not the case. The car is not ready for U.S. consumption, and it would require a bit of "Americanizing" before VW will sell you one.

We love the Polo and are looking forward to whatever form in which it arrives, but we'd love to see us some Scirocco and Amarok, too.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW dealer network to undergo "radical change" as brand ramps up

Chris Shunk — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Diesel

Dealers across the U.S. have been in shrink mode for years, as auto sales have dropped to the point where many stores could no longer remain open. That trend should reverse itself by 2014, though, at least for Volkswagen, as that brand looks to improve its sales volume here in the States.

Wards Automotive reports that VW's drive to hit 800,000 U.S. sales per year by 2018 will result in an expanded dealer-base. In the near term, VW is looking at evolutionary changes to its 588 U.S. dealers to handle increased volume, but VW CEO Jonathan Browning said "radical change" will be in order as sales really start to take off.

How many dealers represents "radical change?" Browning isn't interested in forecasting based on the fact that he doesn't know how healthy the U.S. auto industry will be in seven years. But Browning did talk about new products and technology during an interview at the Passat launch in Chattanooga, TN, and the chief executive sees a seven-passenger vehicle in our future. One option could be a new Microbus based off the Bulli concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. He also claims that 20 percent of Volkswagen's overall volume in the U.S. will pack clean diesel tech. The oil-burning engines won't be featured across the entire model lineup, but could make up significant volume for vehicles like the Jetta and Golf.

[Source: Wards Automotive]

VW dealer network to undergo "radical change" as brand ramps up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to put on evangelical brand test-drive road show

Matt Davis — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

We were recently invited to a one-on-one exchange of thoughts about where the Volkswagen brand is headed in North America. Our captive audience was VW North America CEO Jonathan Browning - former General Motors global sales boss - and VWNA's new product marketing and strategy vice president, Rainer Michel, brought over from the VW home offices where he oversaw the small car product lineup.

To its credit, VW knows better than anyone the uphill battle that awaits it in North America over the next ten or so years. They need to win our sympathies back after disrespecting them over the past 20 or so years with sub-par quality. So far, sales in the U.S. are looking vastly better than levels of years past.

They know this, too. So, they're not just cramming all 50 states with low-priced sheetmetal and sitting back to count the money. They're re-educating every dealership, every corporate employee, and as many prospective shoppers as they can reach. Various VWNA leaders have been going around already to dealer groups nationwide to rewire the grassroots awareness for the brand so that all parties doing the selling are on the same wavelength.

"Our top three priorities for company-wide improvement," says Browning, "are upstream product quality, prompt fault resolution, and comprehensive handover to the customer." Yep, it definitely sounds to us like they've been listening to the roaring chorus of blogs and outspoken consumer groups. It's back-to-basics from the new Chattanooga plant to post-sale customer care.

The biggest news is that there's also a whole test drive road show planned to start in September of this year and continuing through March or so of 2012. Market by market, people will be able to test drive various Jetta and Passat trims, VW being particularly eager to get the Jetta GLI into drivers' buying minds, followed closely by the all-new U.S.-specific Passat sedan.

[Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Volkswagen to put on evangelical brand test-drive road show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen's U.S. boss wants Scirocco in the States

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whenever anyone brings up the Scirocco, we still can't help but wince a bit at the fact that the United States was snubbed from the car's second coming. Apparently we're not alone. According to USA Today, Volkswagen America head honcho Jonathan Browning wouldn't mind seeing the low-slung three-door on our shores, either. Browning said that while Volkswagen was unable to make a solid business case for bringing the Scirocco to the U.S. market the last time around, he still wants to see the car in our neck of the woods. Unfortunately, we may have to wait a few years before that happens.

Browning said that there were a few other more pressing items on his plate at the moment, including improving his company's quality and making the dealer experience more tolerable. Those seem like plenty noble goals, but we still wouldn't mind seeing the 'Rocco on American soil sooner rather than later. While we love the Golf GTI as much as the next lead-footed American, there's just something about a Scirocco that flips all the right switches.

We're waiting, VW.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: USA Today]

Volkswagen's U.S. boss wants Scirocco in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW CEO Browning: Phaeton not in the cards any time soon

Chris Paukert — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Luxury

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton - Click above for high-res gallery

During a business background event on Sunday at its North American headquarters in Herndon, Virginia, Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen of America's CEO confirmed to Autoblog that the company's short-lived Phaeton sedan isn't likely to return to America any time soon.

Despite a flurry of reports to the contrary since the Phaeton left the U.S. market after the 2006 model year, Browning confirms that the luxury sedan is not part of the brand's ambitious plan to sell 800,000 units in North America by 2018. That said, while it's unlikely to return to North America in that time frame, VW is not completely ruling it out. According to Browning, the large luxury sedan segment is something that VW will eventually field an entry in once again ("It is not a case of if, but when") - but at the moment, it sounds like the return of the Phaeton is likely to be couple of generations away.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

VW CEO Browning: Phaeton not in the cards any time soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloomberg: VW eying expanded SUV lineup for U.S.

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Volkswagen, Rumormill

2011 Volkswagen Touareg - Click above for high-res image gallery

All signs may be pointing to ever steeper gas prices by the end of the year, but according to Bloomberg, that may not be enough to stop Volkswagen from unleashing a new wave of SUVs (or more than likely, CUVs) on the American market. VW head honcho Jonathan Browning has been quoted as saying that the company wants to expand its portfolio of compact SUVs in short order, and that eventually, there may be room for growth in the larger SUV market as well. Of all the vehicles sold in the U.S. last year, SUVs and crossovers made up 29 percent of the mix.

As of right now, Volkswagen only offers two utility vehicles in the States - the compact Tiguan crossover, which, according to Bloomberg, sold 20,946 units last year and the larger Touareg SUV. Volkswagen only managed to move 4,713 Touareg models in the U.S. in 2010, but the new model (shown above) is expected to help the line's fortunes. The company's planned expansion of its SUV offerings is part of a larger offensive designed to net the company U.S. sales of one million vehicles by 2018. Doing so would mean tripling the company's current sales, so the automaker is invested in exploring new ways to bring buyers to the showroom.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Bloomberg: VW eying expanded SUV lineup for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oprah reveals 2012 VW Beetle silhouette, gives cars to entire audience [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Celebrities, Design/Style, Diesel

Oprah gives away 2012 Volkswagen Beetle to audience - Click above to watch the video

After dominating the afternoon talk show circuit for 25 years, Oprah Winfrey is going out in style by giving each member of her studio audience keys to the as-yet-unseen 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The promotion is part of Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things giveaway, in which audience members are lavished with pricey surprise gifts of all descriptions.

Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, confirmed that Winfrey reached out to the German automaker about the giveaway, saying that as an owner of the current VW New Beetle, the icon has long been one of her Favorite Things. The show, which aired moments ago on ABC, saw Oprah making the surprise announcement in front of a silhouette of the forthcoming model, and a current model New Beetle was featured on stage. While Browning admits that Oprah has been given a sneak peek at the completed car, her 275 lucky audience members will be in the dark about their new rides look until VW reveals it at a date to be determined this Spring (read: it won't be shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January). Audience members will receive their cars next Fall when VW's Puebla, Mexico plant begins production.

While VW officials declined to talk in detail about the 2012 Beetle, Browning did confirm that the new model will feature technologies like Bluetooth integration and a touchscreen, along with branded audio systems and ambient lighting. More importantly, Browning insists that the new model will have a decidedly sportier bent than previous iterations. The 2012 Beetle will feature available performance-minded items like a stiffer suspension, sport seats, 19-inch wheels and dual exhausts.

This more sporting attitude is interesting, in part because VW officials have previously indicated that they hope to 'degender' the new model (the New Beetle's image and ownership base has long skewed heavily female). Given this positioning, the decision to launch a major promotion with Oprah Winfrey may seem a bit curious, but VW knows that it will still need to woo the current New Beetle's core audience in order for the 2012 model to be a success.

Autoblog was able to confirm that not only will VW's TDI engines figure in to the model's plans, clean diesel technology will even be available in the Cabriolet model, making it the first modern oil-burning convertible sold in the States. The company's venerable 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine will also be available, but there's no word yet about a dedicated high-performance model or a possible hybrid variant.

This is not the first time Oprah has given away new cars as part of her Favorite Things show - she famously handed over the keys to 276 then-new Pontiac G6 sedans back in 2004 as part of a $7.7M promotion. Nor is it the first time that the talk show queen has worked with Volkswagen - last year she gave away a pair of Routan minivans. Click through to the jump to watch video of Oprah breaking the news to her studio audience.

*UPDATE: Official VW press release added after the jump.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

[Sources: Volkswagen, ABC News | Gallery Images: CarPix]

Continue reading Oprah reveals 2012 VW Beetle silhouette, gives cars to entire audience [w/video]

Oprah reveals 2012 VW Beetle silhouette, gives cars to entire audience [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: VW of America names Browning as new CEO

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

Yesterday, we reported that Volkswagen was planning to name Jonathan Browning as its new CEO of United States operations. At 11:00 AM today, VW did just that - Browning will officially assume the role on October 1st of this year.

Browning has held many executive sales and marketing positions within the automotive industry. He was recently tasked with managing the national sales team for all of the Volkswagen Group brands. Now, Browning will be a driving force behind the automakers push to become a leading brand in the United States.

VW Group recently invested $1 billion dollars in a new Chattanooga assembly plant and is also planning a large marketing campaign to rally sales around the redesigned Volkswagen Jetta. The target sales goal for 2018 is 200,000 Audi models and 800,000 Volkswagen models - high goals, indeed.

Congratulations to Mr. Browning and the Volkswagen Group.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: VW of America names Browning as new CEO

Officially Official: VW of America names Browning as new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jonathan Browning to head Volkswagen's U.S. operations

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

Since the departure of Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen has been hunting for a new helmsman for its U.S. operations. Word is that VW have found that man. Jonathan Browning, a former managing executive for General Motors and Ford, is set to take over the position Jacoby vacated when taking the CEO spot at Volvo.

Browning initially joined the Volkswagen team in June to head the national sales effort for all 10 brands under the VAG umbrella. He began his career with General Motors back in 1981, working with Vauxhall and then moving on to manage GM Turkey. Browning eventually left the General for the Blue Oval where he was involved with marketing and served as managing director for (then Ford-owned) Jaguar from 1997 through 2001. GM got him back and he climbed its ladder, rising to the position of Head of Global Sales - a post he resigned from in 2009.

While Browning's appointment isn't official yet, Volkswagen will be holding an event tomorrow at 11 AM EST to announce its new U.S. CEO, so expect confirmation before noon on Monday.

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

Report: Jonathan Browning to head Volkswagen's U.S. operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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